Universal screening of cancer, diabetes, hypertension launched by government

The government has launched universal screening of diabetes, hypertension and cancer in 2100 districts of the country, which would be extended across the country, the Lok Sabha was informed on 31 March, 2017.

Responding to several questions on the Health Ministry during Question Hour, Health Minister J P Nadda also said the government aimed to have AIIMS in all states and was working towards that objective.

He said work was under way to set up 20 state cancer institutes at a cost of Rs 150 crore per institution.

Responding to a supplementary, Nadda said research was in progress on gene test. But as of now, efforts are on to provide counselling to patients, than to focus on therapy.

As of now, 522 high quality tests have been carried out in hospitals such as AIIMS and NIMHANS on gene therapy.

Responding to another question, he said a pictorial booklet has been brought out in various regional languages to inform students about important health issues. The idea, he said, is to catch them young.